Fix SharePoint Upload Failed and Cannot Merge Changes Errors in Office
Question details
Users are unable to sync Office files to SharePoint Online, receiving errors about upload failures and an inability to merge document changes.
- Product
- Microsoft Office / SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening and co-authoring Office files synchronized from a SharePoint library via OneDrive and File Explorer.
- Observed behavior
- Office applications display 'Upload Failed' and synchronization conflict errors without any prior OneDrive warnings.
Verify if you can open and co-author the affected file directly in your web browser through SharePoint Online to confirm the server connection is functioning properly.
Configure OneDrive Sync Settings for Office Applications
Adjusting OneDrive settings ensures that Office applications correctly manage file synchronization and handle co-authoring conflicts without failing.
By default, OneDrive handles file synchronization, but Office applications have their own caching and syncing mechanisms. Forcing OneDrive to use Office applications for syncing Office files can resolve most merge and upload conflicts.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in your system tray, select the 'Help & Settings' gear icon, and click on 'Settings'.
Navigate to the 'Office' tab within the OneDrive settings window.
Check the box that says 'Use Office applications to sync Office files that I open'.
Under the 'Sync conflicts' section, select the option 'Let me choose to merge changes or keep both copies' to prevent automated upload failures, then click 'OK'.
Clear the Office Document Cache
Deleting old or corrupted temporary files forces Office to fetch the most recent version of the document directly from SharePoint.
Update Microsoft 365 Applications
Updating to the latest version of Microsoft 365 can resolve known synchronization bugs present in older builds.
Avoid Complex Sync Errors with WPS Office
If persistent SharePoint and Microsoft Office caching conflicts are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and reliable alternative for editing and saving your documents without the heavy background synchronization overhead.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the installer.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files.
- 3. Edit and Save Seamlessly: Edit your documents with full formatting support and save them locally or to your preferred cloud drive without upload conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint say 'cannot merge changes'?
This error occurs when multiple users edit a file simultaneously and the synchronization engine cannot reconcile the differences, or when your local Office cache holds an outdated version of the document that conflicts with the server's current version.
Will clearing the Office document cache delete my saved files?
No. Clearing the Office document cache only deletes temporary synchronization files. Your actual documents stored on your hard drive and in SharePoint Online remain perfectly safe.
How do I force a stuck SharePoint file to upload?
You can force the upload by saving a copy of the file to a different local folder, clearing the Office Document Cache, verifying your OneDrive sync status, and then manually replacing the file in the synced SharePoint folder.
